Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent or excessive anxiety and worry—without sufficient cause—lasting more days than not, for at least six months. People with generalized anxiety disorder find it difficult to control their nagging sense of worry.

While other anxiety disorders involve worry, it is the main feature of generalized anxiety disorder. Examples of worrisome themes include:

Concern about your own or others' health or safety

Unnecessary worry about the welfare of a child (who is in no real danger)

Concern about a job or career

Fears regarding money

Worry about family or other close relationships

Physical and emotional symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

In addition to persistent worry, people with generalized anxiety disorder experience a number of physical symptoms and emotional disturbances, including but not limited to:

Muscle tension

Becoming easily fatigued

Difficulty concentrating or "mind going blank"

Restlessness, or feeling "keyed up" or "on edge"

Sleep disturbances

Abdominal upsets

Trembling

Irritability

Shortness of breath

The combination of anxiety, worry and physical symptoms can significantly interfere with a person's normal routine and typical activities in social, occupational and other areas of functioning.

Generalized anxiety disorder self assessment quick quiz

Take a moment to answer these quick questions and see if you're at risk for—or currently suffering from—generalized anxiety disorder:

Have you experienced excessive worry on most days for at least six months?

Do have unfounded worry about health, work, relationships and/or finances?

Are you troubled by irritability, fatigue and feelings of being "keyed up" or "on edge?"

Do you have a problem concentrating or relaxing?

Do you have trouble going to sleep and staying asleep?

Does your anxiety interfere with your life?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, there's a chance you're suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. To learn how the Panic/Anxiety/Recovery Center can help you, or to schedule a consultation, please call us at 312-642-7952 or fill out our contact form.